Crosfields School Nursery Review

Woodland exploration, Dough Disco and specialist French give Little Acorns its character. This is Crosfields School’s nursery and pre-school provision on its Reading campus, with nursery for ages two to three and pre-school for ages three to four. Dedicated spaces combine natural materials with subdued colours and gentle lighting, giving children space for independent play and activities guided by adults.

The October 2025 admissions policy listed 40 nursery places. The provision subsequently expanded its age range, with admissions for two-year-olds opening in June 2026. Families can choose year-round attendance or a term-time pattern, making the calendar as relevant to the choice as the school connection.

Play and teaching share the day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides learning: communication, movement, relationships, early reading and number work sit alongside discovering the world and creative expression. Younger nursery children explore through sensory activities, music, movement and making marks. Pre-school adds an emphasis on expressing ideas and listening to other people, with qualified teachers among the staff.

Named activities make the approach tangible. Dough Disco combines movement and music to exercise small hand muscles; Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle uses physical activity to prepare for writing. Tales Toolkit gives pre-school children a starting point for imaginative storytelling. Songs and games introduce phonics, while playful maths develops number understanding. These are foundations practised through activity.

Specialists teach dance, music, French, PE and games, and Forest School. The campus has six Forest School sites across 40 acres, bringing woodland into the children’s learning. Pre-school children also swim weekly in an indoor pool with an adjustable floor, allowing the water depth to suit the session.

During the ISI inspection of 5 to 7 March 2024, nursery children combined dice games, finger counting and cutting paper hair to practise numbers and handling scissors. Their classroom community display included fire engines and police helicopters, connecting imaginative play with people who help others.

Predictable routines support emotional security. In March 2024, early-years children were confident about seeking help when upset, and staff encouraged consideration for classmates and care for their learning space. Adults also adapted speaking and listening activities for individual needs, with leaders checking the effects of additional support.

Meals are cooked on site. Younger children eat in the nursery with their teachers, while pre-school children have lunch in the Junior Dining Hall alongside older pupils. That gives the two age groups different mealtime settings, with opportunities to practise independence and social skills.

For children needing additional help, the SEND policy allows early-years staff to involve the Wokingham Early Years Inclusion Advisor with parental consent. Admission depends on the school being able to meet the child’s needs with its support and facilities. Discussing those needs forms part of the entry process, so families can establish whether the provision fits their child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Crosfields Reception place. The published Reception entry process involves registration and a Reception Taster session. Existing nursery families should confirm their progression requirements with Admissions. Applications for this entry year are accepted throughout the year, with no fixed deadline.

Familiarity with the campus is useful, but it is separate from an offer of admission. In March 2024, teaching and support teams met to discuss children and their progress across transition stages, helping information follow them into their next phase.

Core term-time hours run from 08:15 to 15:15. Breakfast Club starts at 07:30; Short stay extends collection to 16:15 without an extra charge, and After-School Care continues until 17:50. The fees page distinguishes 51-week year-round patterns from 35-week term-time attendance, with breakfast and late-stay inclusion depending on the booking package.

Eligible nursery families can access up to 30 funded hours; pre-school offers 15 universal hours during term time, beginning the term after a child turns three. Lunch and snacks sit within the school’s inclusive fee structure. Registration and acceptance charges also apply; contact the school for current charges and the package appropriate to your attendance pattern.

Email admissions@crosfields.com to enquire or arrange an individual tour. Stay & Play sessions provide another way to meet the team and explore Little Acorns before choosing a place.